Dr Wee Kim Wee Singapore's Fourth President Passed Away today

From Yahoo News:


Monday May 2, 8:17 PM

Dr Wee Kim Wee's passing a great loss to the nation: President Nathan



SINGAPORE : President S.R. Nathan has called Dr Wee Kim Wee's passing a great loss to the nation, and for himself, the loss of a special friend and mentor.
He also recalled Dr Wee's career as a badminton player, journalist, Samaritan and diplomat.
Paying a personal tribute to Dr Wee, President Nathan said Singapore had lost one of her illustrious sons who was much loved as the "People's President" and held with much affection throughout his years, even after his time in office.
President Nathan remembered Dr Wee as a warm-hearted and kind person, approachable at any time.
Above all, he was without the biases of race, language or religion. And in his conversations, full of wit and humour.
President Nathan said he hoped while Singaporeans mourn Dr Wee's departure, the memories of his life, his achievements and his warm and gentle personality will continue to touch and inspire them and the generations to come. - CNA/de

Monday May 2, 8:17

PM State flag on all government buildings to be flown at half-mast

SINGAPORE : Singapore's former President, Dr Wee Kim Wee, died on Monday morning (5.10am) at his home, from complications due to a relapse of prostate cancer.As a mark of respect, the State flag on all Government buildings will be flown at half-mast from Tuesday to Friday.
The Government has accepted the family's wishes in making the funeral arrangements and will provide all the necessary assistance.
The Prime Minister's Office says Dr Wee's body will lie in state at the Istana during the week and transported back to the family residence at Siglap on Thursday evening for the family to hold a private wake.
The public may pay their last respects at the Istana from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm on Tuesday and from 9:30am to 9:00pm on Wednesday.
On Thursday, members of the diplomatic corps and other officials may pay their last respects.
Dr Wee will be cremated on Friday at Mandai Crematorium, where a funeral service will also be held.
The Prime Minister's Office says the service will be a simple and non-religious one, in accordance with the family's wishes.
The Prime Minister and his Cabinet colleagues say they are sad to learn of Dr Wee's death and convey their condolences to his family.
Dr Wee had been admitted to hospital two days ago after being ill for one month, but had asked to return home.
Dr Wee, who was president from 1985 to 1993, was 89 years old, and is widely known as the People's President - displaying a genuine concern for others and a natural warmth that touched many lives. - CNA/de

Monday May 2, 10:17 PM Late Dr Wee Kim Wee an outstanding and well-loved President: PM Lee :

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has sent a letter of condolence to Mrs Wee Kim Wee, saying Dr Wee was an outstanding and well-loved President of Singapore.Mr Lee said he was deeply saddened to learn early this morning that Dr Wee had passed away.
He said Dr Wee had brought dignity and honour to the office of the President, giving his all to serve the people, and gaining the respect, admiration and affection of Singaporeans.
Mr Lee said Dr Wee had served as President under unique circumstances - when during 1991, the Constitution was amended to provide for an elected President with expanded powers.
He praised Dr Wee for playing an invaluable role during this transition, helping to run in the presidential safeguards that came with the new constitutional arrangements.
Mr Lee said Dr Wee would be remembered most as a true Singaporean, who had experienced the many facets of being a Singaporean.
Being a worker, sportsman, public officer, corporate leader, Samaritan, a husband and father.
Mr Lee praised Dr Wee for lacking in self-importance and stiff formality, saying he was unassuming, interested in people and at ease interacting with one and all, from the highest in the land to the humblest.
This endeared him to Singaporeans, and made him known as the 'People's President.'
Mr Lee said Dr Wee belonged to the generation of Singaporeans who built the nation.
And his life story and humility represent our shared wish for Singapore - to be a society where everyone has full and equal opportunities.
Mr Lee said Dr Wee would be an inspiration to continue to work towards this vision, and that Singaporeans will long miss and love him. - CNA/de



Monday May 2, 10:17 PM MFA remembers late Dr Wee Kim Wee as excellent diplomat SINGAPORE :


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will remember the late Dr Wee Kim Wee as a diplomat par excellence whose contributions to MFA have been invaluable.From 1973 to 1980, Dr Wee served as Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia.
Thereafter from 1980 to 1984, he was Ambassador to Japan and concurrently Ambassador to the Republic of Korea from 1981 to 1984.
In a letter of condolence to Mrs Wee Kim Wee, the ministry says: "We will miss his wise counsel and sense of humour, as we bid farewell to a man who had contributed immensely to his country and who had lived his life to the fullest."
The People's President: